Bermuda: Government announces various projects to deal with unemployment
Published:Thursday | August 4, 2011 | 11:38 AM
HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC – A Bermuda government unemployment registration drive (URD) has found that the average age of unemployed people is 38, according to Economy Minister Kim Wilson.
She told the Senate that just over 1,000 people registered with the URD designed to find out the needs of people affected by the present economic crisis.
Wilson said 17 per cent of unemployed people attended university for three or more years, 21 per cent had a two-year college education and 46 per cent got no education beyond secondary school.
The government has since announced a number of plans for training programmes, including one to create up to 30 jobs for unemployed construction workers.
Junior Finance Minister David Burt said government has joined forces with Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation for a jobs programme.
Burt said that between 20 and 30 unskilled labourers will be selected for the project and paid an allowance of US$500 to US$600 per week.
The junior minister said that another project will provide five full-time courses to improve work skills and employability of 72 Bermudians.
“This programme is targeted to the young and not so young; those with numerous years of experience and those without.
“Any Bermudian who is unemployed and is looking to add skills to enhance their employability is welcome. In addition to the specific courses, all participants will receive soft skills training in customer service workplace etiquette and workplace ethics,” Burt added.
He said another initiative will be a youth apprenticeship scheme designed to give people aged 17 to 25 training and development in building and restoring historic properties.
He said young people will be taught by skilled tradesmen in restoring woodwork, painting, masonry, plumbing, electrical and horticultural trades.
“The youth apprenticeship scheme will work in conjunction with stakeholders to bring Springfield to an acceptable condition that can then be developed to contribute to the Sandys and greater Bermuda community,” he said.